Actual recreational development began when the Red Feather Mountain Lakes Association was incorporated on September 11, 1923 with B.H. Princell, S. Marvin James, and George H. Shaw signing with two Fort Collins resident, Myron Akin and Dr. D.O. Norton.

The promoters had previously selected the name, “Red Feather Lakes”. Credit for this choice went to Dr. Norton who introduced his associates to a charming Indian girl appearing on concert tours with Charles Wakefield Cadman. When Dr. Norton and L.C. Moore asked Princess Tsianina what her name meant she replied: “Red Feather,” and this inspired doctor and banker to name a lake “Red Feather Lake,” and use the same name for the new community they were starting.